About LAYN

MISSION

The Los Angeles Youth Network’s mission is to empower abused, neglected and homeless adolescents to become self-sufficient.

Vision Statement

Every youth deserves permanency – a safe, stable home and a connection to others who will support their needs, advocate for their future, and help them negotiate the challenges of daily life.

History

Ever since our founding in 1985, we have grown strategically, providing increasingly comprehensive direct services while strengthening our leadership among advocates. As the highlights of our history indicate, strong partnerships have defined our work.

Within four years, we acquire a facility equipped to offer both emergency shelter and drop-in services.

In 1989, the US Department of Health and Human Services asks us to provide training and technical assistance to other shelter providers in the region, and we continue in that role for 12 years.

We begin our Street Outreach services in 1991, meeting vulnerable youth where and when they need us.

In 1994, the PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Evaluation of Homelessness and California Youth and Family Programs, which assessed shelter programs nationally, honors LAYN as a model program.

In 2000, we purchase a 12-bed long-term group home and a 6-bed emergency group home to meet the urgent need for housing among runaway, homeless youth.

We extend our services in 2007 when we pilot our Transitional Living Program to serve older youth and young adults, ages 16-21.

In 2008, we begin a partnership with the Department of Children and Family Services, providing our shelter and supportive services to youth in the foster care system.

Five years later, we open our own LAYN High School, which we designed in partnership with LAUSD.

In 2014, we successfully complete a capital campaign and open the doors to our new, homelike emergency shelter for foster youth.

In 2016, transformation and growth once again define LAYN as we align with California’s new state law that shifts focus from group home settings to Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs. Our tireless efforts are rewarded at the end of the year when we receive a three-year accreditation from CARF.